Harbaugh on Moss’ effort on INT: ‘It wasn’t catchable’

The 49ers wide receiver has been criticized for a perceived lack of effort on Colin Kaepernick’s interception in the second quarter of the Super Bowl.

Randy Moss

Randy Moss. (AP)

Kaepernick’s pass was high and Moss, who stopped his route, didn’t jump for the ball, which was picked off by Ravens safety Ed Reed. With defenders in the area, it may have been act of self-preservation for Moss, who has flopped to the ground to avoid being tackled this season.

Today, it was noted during Jim Harbaugh’s press conference that Moss has been criticized for his effort on the play. Was the criticism fair?

“I think the ball was thrown too high on that particular play,” Harbaugh said.

And what was Moss doing?

“He was running a crossing route,” Harbaugh said. “I told you how I felt. I felt the ball was thrown too high. It wasn’t catchable.”

Moss, who had two catches for 41 yards against Baltimore, generated headlines before the game when he termed himself the greatest receiver in NFL history on Super Bowl media day. He also said he’d grown to accept his role with the 49ers this season, but didn’t like being a decoy. Moss had 28 catches for 434 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Harbaugh said Moss had conveyed his frustration about his role.

“In a competitive way, yes,” Harbaugh said. “He wants to be involved. We’ve talked about it many times, suggestions he would make. It’s all been positive. It’s all been good.”

Moss, who turns 36 on Feb. 13, will be a free agent in the offseason. In January, Harbaugh said he wanted Moss back with the 49ers in 2013.